West Seattle, Washington

17 Sunday

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month : 09/2017 302 results

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday watch
September 11, 2017 6:34 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday watch
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

6:34 AM: Good morning! No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far this morning.

8:54 AM: Quiet commute watch wrapping up – but we do cover major traffic-affecting incidents the rest of the day and night too – if you see one and we’re not on it, as long as you’re not behind the wheel, please let us know, text or voice 24/7, at 206-293-6302 – thank you!

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MONDAY NIGHT: Big changes to Design Review? City Council hearing – with last-minute changes
September 10, 2017 10:27 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

We were already planning to publish a reminder about a City Council committee hearing Monday night that’s of citywide importance to everyone interested in development – the Planning, Land Use, and Zoning Committee‘s hearing on proposed changes to the Design Review process. Then, just now, a local community group that closely watches development-related issues sent an alert with new last-minute information. From the Morgan Community Association:

The city has proposed some major changes to the existing Design Review Program. MoCA President (and past Design Review member) Deb Barker was on the stakeholders group who worked with the city on possible changes earlier this year. The city just released their final proposed version in a package sent to the City Council in August. Several MoCA board members have been reviewing those changes to see how they would impact our neighborhood and if we wanted to make additional comments at the Public Hearing tomorrow, Sept 11. But to our dismay, on Friday (Sept. 8th), the City Council Planning, Land Use and Zoning Committee proposed 9 additional amendments of modifications, some of which have multiple new options. In their discussion, staff was not able to actually describe what the full changes are and admit it is confusing and more information is needed.

In a nutshell, we don’t know what’s on the table any more!

The PLUZ committee has said they plan to vote this out of committee on Sept 19. We are asking anyone who has an interest in good design happening in our neighborhoods to write to the PLUZ committee and request more time for Council to solidify their amendments and have time for the public to review and comment on the final package. Please send a short note to city council by 7:00 pm Monday, Sept 11.

Email addresses for the PLUZ committee

rob.johnson@seattle.gov
lisa.herbold@seattle.gov
mike.obrien@seattle.gov
lorena.gonzalez@seattle.gov

Link to the Mayor’s proposed changes to Design Review (Director’s Report summary)

Link to the City Council proposed amendments (as of last Friday)

The council committee has been discussing the potential changes (pre-amendments) in recent months; we wrote about one of the discussions in mid-August. In general, reasons cited for changing the program include shortening the time it takes to get projects through city vetting, and also an alleged overload/backlog for the city’s Design Review Boards (although right now, for example, the Southwest Design Review Board has zero projects on its upcoming calendar).

MONDAY NIGHT’S HEARING: If you’d like to comment in person at the committee’s hearing on the Design Review changes, the Monday night hearing is on Lower Queen Anne, at SIFF Cinema Uptown, in Auditorium 3, 511 Queen Anne Ave. N. The meeting starts at 5:30 pm with an hour and a half scheduled for the Uptown rezoning proposal, not related to the Design Review proposal, which is then scheduled to come up at 7 pm. The meeting’s full agenda, with document links, is here.

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CAMP MOMENTIA: ‘Lifting up people living with memory loss’ this weekend at West Seattle’s Camp Long
September 10, 2017 7:56 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Story and photos by Marika Lee
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Inside the lodge at Camp Long today, a group of Camp Momentia attendees got to their feet and danced with students from the University of Washington’s Musical Theater program.

The campers later sang along about the importance of hugs and took part in nature-inspired craftmaking and storytelling tailored for people with dementia/memory loss.

Camp Momentia is an annual event that has been growing in attendance since it started four years ago. About 70 people attended the two-day camp this year.

“Momentia as a movement is really about lifting up people living with memory loss as the experts of their own experience and looking to them for what they want to have happen in the community and what is important to them,” explained Cayce Cheairs (above right), who coordinated the camp as a Dementia-friendly Recreation Specialist for Seattle Parks.

The UW students researched and met with an advisory board of people with memory loss and caregivers to determine what to include in their musical revue, titled “Just a Moment.”

Cheairs said Camp Momentia is the container for everything Momentia does in the community to empower and ensure people with dementia/memory loss remain connected and engaged in their communities. She said the camp definitely saw the impact of the recently created West Seattle “Momentia in My Neighborhood” group.

“There are a lot of folks here from West Seattle. In previous years, we really didn’t have many folks from West Seattle coming to the camp. It feels like that process has really spread the movement and who is now participating and involved,” Cheairs said, adding that Providence Mount St. Vincent’s involvement in the group has also helped.

West Seattle resident Kathy Daley got involved by taking her mother to talent shows that featured her artwork.

“Everyone gets to be a person here. There isn’t just one thing that works,” Cheairs said.

Mary Firebaugh of West Seattle said she has been around with city-wide Momentia since the beginning. “It has always been fun. Even the word ‘Momentia’ was to make dementia and memory loss sound more exciting and positive, which is a sort of a questionable goal. But there is no reason we can’t get together and celebrate life and do things.”

She and Daley are working on other Momentia events in West Seattle, such as musical performances and park walks.

(Camp Momentia participants working on a dreamcatcher)

In addition to the proven health benefits for bringing people with memory loss into nature, Cheairs said Momentia presents events such as the camp to combat the narrative that people with memory loss should be hidden away.

“People with dementia have things to teach the rest of us about living in the moment and being creative and being engaged,” Cheairs said.

Momentia is a regional movement, with events and programs listed here. Find out more about Seattle Parks’ Dementia-Friendly Recreation programs here.

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WEST SEATTLE RESTAURANTS: Srivilai Thai on the way to ex-Blackboard Bistro
September 10, 2017 5:55 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Thanks to Josh for the tip: That small sign has appeared in the window of the ex-Blackboard Bistro at 3247 California SW, just three weeks after it closed, announcing that Srivilai Thai Cuisine is “coming soon.” After receiving Josh’s note, we went over for a look, but didn’t find anyone there, and so far we haven’t found any additional information online – we’ll update when we do!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Deterring bicycle theft
September 10, 2017 3:54 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

From Seattle Police‘s crime-prevention coordinator for the Southwest Precinct, Jennifer Burbridge: “We have recently seen an increase in bicycle thefts in the North Admiral and the Alaska Junction neighborhoods. Due to this increase, the SW Precinct would like to provide our communities with some helpful prevention techniques.” See them here, and/or embedded below:

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CELEBRATION: Sendoff set for retiring West Seattle HS baseball coach Velko Vitalich
September 10, 2017 2:10 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports


(Coach Velko Vitalich, photographed in June by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

Three months ago, we talked with longtime West Seattle High School baseball coach Velko Vitalich about his decision to retire from that role after more than 30 years. Now, a public celebration for the coach has been announced, and you’re invited. The announcement is from Bret Meaker:

It takes a dedicated person to give up their free time in order to teach and mentor kids. One man has faithfully and tirelessly spent three decades looking after the youth of West Seattle and we would like to recognize and honor him for it.

After 30 years of coaching generations of youth at West Seattle High School, Coach Velko Vitalich is retiring. Please come help us send him off in style. We will be having a celebration at the West Seattle Golf Course on Saturday, September 23rd, at 5 pm. Players, parents, teachers and students are encouraged to attend. We will be serving a BBQ dinner and a no-host bar is available. Attendees are encouraged to bring pictures, stories, and memories to share.

There will be a $20 charge per person to cover the cost of the food and rental. All RSVPs needs to be made by 9/18 at RSVP4Velko@gmail.com

If you are unable to attend, but would like to share a memory about the coach, please send the stories to RSVP4Velko@gmail.com and we will make sure he gets it.

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UPDATE: Vote on what you want to see at new West Seattle Junction park
September 10, 2017 12:01 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

12:01 PM: At the south end of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, until 2 pm, it’s the Seattle Parks “open house” for the future two-thirds-of-an-acre park that’ll be three blocks away, in the 4700 block of 40th SW [map]. Stop by and you’ll get the chance to “vote” on which of more than 30 “design elements” you’d like to see at the park – they’re on paper ballots being handed out, and on one of the easels:

That’s project manager Karimah Edwards at left in the photo above. The “design elements” aren’t on the project website yet, but we’re told they will be soon. The park site was purchased for $1.4 million in 2012 and “landbanked”; until recently, it was home to temporary Fire Station 32 while the new station was under construction. Almost $2 million for design and development was set aside from the Park District levy; the park is to be designed next year, and built in 2019.

ADDED 2:20 PM: Your next chance to talk about the future park will be at the Junction Neighborhood Organization‘s upcoming meeting, 6:30 pm September 19th at the Senior Center/Sisson Building (4217 SW Oregon) – Parks’ project team is scheduled to be there.

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West Seattle Sunday: Hurricane help; park feedback; Colman Pool finale; more…
September 10, 2017 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Sunday: Hurricane help; park feedback; Colman Pool finale; more…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Happy Sunday! Here are the highlights of what’s happening today/tonight in West Seattle:

HURRICANE FUNDRAISER: The photo above is from Amy, who explains, “My kids are raising money for hurricane victims. They made a lot of money (Saturday), in a short amount of time. And will be back (today) selling cookies, brownies, muffins, and lemonade.” ~10 am-2 pm. The proceeds go to hurricane relief via GlobalGiving.org. (52nd SW/SW Stevens)

PARK FEEDBACK @ FARMERS’ MARKET: Two-thirds of an acre of land in the 4700 block of 40th SW, bought by the city five years ago, is getting closer to being turned into a park. Potential designs are being shown, and your feedback collected, 10 am-2 pm today at the Farmers Market – look for the Seattle Parks booth/table. We’ll be looking for it once the market opens and will update with the location. *Added – south end of market* (California between Oregon and Alaska)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: As for the rest of the market – go see what’s fresh this week! 10 am-2 pm. (California between Oregon and Alaska)

MEET GREYHOUNDS: 11 am-1 pm at Mud Bay-Admiral. (2611 California SW)

LAST DAY FOR COLMAN POOL: Noon-7 pm, it’s the last day of the season for Colman Pool on the shore at Lincoln Park; here’s the swim-session schedule. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

‘THE WHO AND THE WHAT’: 3 pm matinee at ArtsWest – first week for the play by Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar. Ticket info and more in our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)

ALL-AGES MUSIC: At The Skylark, 6-9 pm, Curt Terry, Victrola, and This Past Tuesday. $5 cover. All ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

And if you’re going downtown tonight …

WATER TAXI EXTENDED SCHEDULE FOR SOUNDERS’ MATCH: Last run from Pier 52 to West Seattle will be at 10:45 pm.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Sex offender released, plus 3 police reports, 2 reader reports
September 9, 2017 10:37 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Six West Seattle Crime Watch items ahead:

SEX OFFENDER RELEASED: Thanks to the reader who let us know that convicted sex offender Duane Atwood, 40, was released from prison this past week. We last covered his case in 2015, when he went to prison after pleading guilty in an indecent-exposure incident on Beach Drive and for failing to register as a sex offender after moving back to the area, as a 2000 “burglary with sexual motivation” case required him to do. According to the King County sex-offender registry website – which has published his photo (shown at right) and other information – Atwood reported to authorities that he is living in Tukwila.

FROM THE POLICE-REPORT FILES

SPD posts a small percentage of report narratives, with several days’ delay, so we check the files periodically for local cases; these three from last weekend are the newest ones available:

HIT-AND-RUN: The afternoon of Sunday, September 3rd, police were called to the 10600 block of Marine View Drive for what was reported to be a hit-and-run injuring a pedestrian. The “pedestrian” turned out to be a resident who said it started when he noticed someone had parked a white Lexus SUV blocking his driveway while visiting a yard sale next door. The man’s wife went over to try to find the driver. A “verbal altercation” with “harsh/abusive language” ensued, as well as actions including horn-honking and mutual video recording. The yard-sale visitor, according to the report narrative, eventually “entered her vehicle and backed up abruptly,” hitting the man, knocking him down, then reportedly getting out and “laugh(ing) at him” before getting back in her vehicle and driving away. Multiple people at the scene provided police with the license plate number, which led them to a woman in her mid-50s living elsewhere in West Seattle. The victim also had a photo of the driver. When found at her home, the police report says, she acknowledged backing up, but thought the man was “faking” having been hit/hurt. She was arrested and booked into jail. The victim was checked out by Seattle Fire.

2 WEEKS, 2 BREAK-INS: In the 7700 block of 18th SW on Labor Day, a resident reported that his detached garage had been broken into overnight – just a week after his house had been burglarized. The garage was ransacked, with several power tools missing. Police found fingerprint evidence from the top of a trash can that the resident said had been moved during the burglary.

ROBBERY AFTER COLLISION: Last Saturday night (September 2nd) near Delridge and Brandon, a driver and bicyclist collided. Police then got multiple reports of a fight. Their report says the driver pulled over after hitting the bicyclist, who rode across Delridge, eastbound, in front of the driver, who was headed southbound. The driver pulled over, and two men ran over, with one punching through his car window, before they pulled him out of the car and started beating him up. They also went through his pockets before a woman ran up and got the to stop. The victim told police that he was missing his cell phone and a pack of cigarettes. Police found their suspect nearby – smoking the same brand of cigarette, claiming he had found the pack on the ground, and in possession of a phone matching the description of the one that was stolen. He was arrested for investigation of robbery and booked into jail.

TWO READER REPORTS

From the inbox:

CAR EMBLEMS STOLEN: From Alex:

I parked my car at Seacrest Park on Friday to take the water taxi and had the Volkswagen emblems stolen off my wheels while I was away. It would have happened between 6:45 AM to 7:00 PM. Not an expensive fix but still very annoying. I am curious if this has happened to anyone else.

It’s been reported to police.

CAR PROWL ATTEMPT: Brian shared this video and the report:

Last (Monday) night at 11:56 pm, a person attempted a car prowl on 40th Ave SW between Hinds and Manning. Fortunately, the doors were locked and nothing was taken. It was interesting to note what he was wearing: shorts, white baseball cap, and jacket with two reflective white logos on the back near each shoulder. I was surprised the thief was working this early in the evening. He worked quickly and barely triggered the motion activation on the cameras. The attached video was captured with an ARLO wireless security camera. In the future, I plan to connect the ARLO system to an App called IFTTT which can then be programmed to trigger a phone call and alert a sleeping user. A reminder to keep your doors locked!

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SOCCER: West Seattle HS girls’ home opener vs. Marysville Getchell
September 9, 2017 8:56 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos)

Tonight at Southwest Athletic Complex, the West Seattle High School girls’ soccer team had their first home match of the season, vs. Marysville Getchell HS. Final score, 1-1, which means the Wildcats are 0-2-0 on the season after tying Eastside Catholic 2-2 on Thursday.

You’ll recall that WSHS has a new head coach, Todd Veenhuizen, announced back in June. The team’s next match is Tuesday afternoon vs. crosstown rivals Chief Sealth International High School (0-1), 4 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield in High Point (34th/Myrtle).

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SUNDAY: Feedback time for future West Seattle Junction park
September 9, 2017 7:07 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Reminder that tomorrow (Sunday, September 10th), the West Seattle Farmers’ Market is more than a farmers’ market – it’s also your chance to give feedback on the future park on 40th SW between SW Alaska and SW Edmunds. As first noted here last month, the city is having an “open house” at/during the market (10 am-2 pm). Until a few weeks ago, the “landbanked” park site served as temporary quarters for Fire Station 32, but now that the new station is open and firefighters have moved in, Seattle Parks is moving toward designing and developing the park site as what it’s meant to be. So look for their booth/table at the market tomorrow. And if you haven’t already, answer the short survey on the project page. Five years have passed since the city bought the two-thirds-of-an-acre site for $1.4 million.

P.S. If you’re not a regular Farmers’ Market visitor, note that the address on the city flyer above is incorrect – that’s the market’s old address – it’s on California between Oregon and Alaska.

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SAVE THE DATE: Open house set for new Fire Station 32
September 9, 2017 4:05 pm
|    Comments Off on SAVE THE DATE: Open house set for new Fire Station 32
 |   Triangle | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from last month)

We promised to let you know when the Seattle Fire Department set the date for an open house at brand-new Station 32. It was still being worked out when we toured the new station last month – but now the date’s finalized – set your calendar for 11 am-1 pm on Saturday, November 4th. SFD’s official announcement won’t be until the date is a little closer, but they confirmed the date after a reader texted us (thanks!) to say they had heard about it while stopping by the station. The new $18 million station is at the same spot (37th/38th/Alaska) as the old one, but much larger, and now home to the area’s battalion chief as well as Engine 32, Ladder 11, and Medic 32.

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WRITE AND WIN: VFW announces student essay contests
September 9, 2017 2:34 pm
|    Comments Off on WRITE AND WIN: VFW announces student essay contests
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

From West Seattle’s VFW Post 2713, we’ve received word of this year’s student essay competition – with cash prizes, including a chance to win scholarship money, if the entrant’s in high school. Here’s the announcement:

All students in private, public, or home school are eligible to compete. First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded for each grade, while first-place winners will advance to state and possibly national levels with greater prizes. The competitions are:

Youth Essay – Grades 3rd, 4th, 5th
Topic “What does a Veteran mean to me?”
Prizes: 1st $100, 2nd $75, 3rd $40, 4th-10th $15, 11th-15th $5
(Entry form here)

Patriots Pen – Grades 6th, 7th, 8th
Topic “America’s Gift to My Generation”
Prizes: 1st $125, 2nd $100, 3rd $75, 4th-6th $25, 7th-10th $15
(Entry info here)

Voice of Democracy – Grades 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Topic “American History: Our Hope for the Future”
Prizes: 1st $150, 2nd $100, 3rd $75, 4th-6th place $25, 7th-10th place $15
Note: Each state winner is eligible for a $30,000 scholarship.
(Entry info here)

Deadline for entries is November 1st.

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HAPPENING NOW: West Seattle Thriftway barbecue for hurricane relief
September 9, 2017 12:24 pm
|    Comments Off on HAPPENING NOW: West Seattle Thriftway barbecue for hurricane relief
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Haven’t had lunch yet? Let the barbecue crew at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) cook for you! While out on errands, we just discovered they’ve extended benefit-barbecue season to raise money today for hurricane relief. Hot dogs and hamburgers – and what you pay will be matched! California/Fauntleroy – look for the tent outside the store, until about 3:45 this afternoon (hey – early dinner!).

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CONGRATULATIONS! 6-year-old BMX champ Colton Fukano’s latest achievements
September 9, 2017 11:56 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Just before going back to school this past week, as a first-grader at Genesee Hill Elementary, 6-year-old Colton Fukano concluded his latest season of riding as a BMX (bicycle motocross) champ. Proud mom Shawnda Fukano shared the photo and update:

Colton Fukano wrapped up the Washington State BMX season Labor Day weekend at the State Championship Finals in Richland as the #1 rider in the 6-year-old intermediate class. Riders earn points for the their top four finishes during the season plus how they place at the finals.

Colton went into the finals with five 1st-place finishes as a 5-year-old, but since his birthday was right before the finals ,he raced in the 6-year-old category at the finals. His 3rd-place finish at the finals kept him at the top of the points. Colton rides for the Sonic BMX team, coached by Jamie Stenson and sponsored by Sprocketts Recycled Bicycles in Magnolia. Here is the video of Colton’s last race:

Despite having just turned 6, Colton has been racing for almost two years.

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Highlights for your West Seattle Saturday
September 9, 2017 6:48 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Steller’s Jay, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Good morning! Here’s what’s happening on your Saturday:

SOUTH DELRIDGE LITTER CLEANUP: Join your neighbor Bridgette, who is hosting a litter cleanup 9 am-11 am today. You don’t have to be there for the full two-hour cleanup – “any time you can volunteer would be appreciated! We will meet at the corner of 20th Ave SW & SW Thistle. We will provide supplies – grabbers, gloves, buckets, trash bags, etc. You simply need to show up! Hope to see you there!”

MOBILE BLOOD DRIVE: The van is in The Junction today, 9 am-3 pm. Walk-up donors welcome, but not 11 am-noon, when the drive will be taking a break. More info in our calendar listing. (42nd SW/SW Alaska)

GRIEFSHARE RECOVERY SUPPORT GROUP: 1st of 13 Saturday meetings at Grace Church – join at any time. 10 am-noon. Info in our calendar listing. (10323 28th SW)

THUNDER ROAD GUITARS CLOSED, TO CELEBRATE PORTLAND GRAND OPENING: In The Junction, Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) is closed today so proprietor Frank Gross and staff can be at the grand opening of the new TRG in Portland. (4736 California SW)

FAMILY STORY TIME: 11 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library. Free. (2306 42nd SW)

BABY JAM MUSIC AND DANCE: Movement for the little ones, 11:30 am at High Point Library. Free. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

POP-UP MERCADO – SUMMER’S END: Noon-5 pm, come support local artists and artisans! Colectiva Noroeste presents this event with art, apparel, handmade gifts, food, jewelry, and music, plus the food truck El Chapulin Oaxaqueño, at Highland Park Improvement Club. (1116 SW Holden)

SECOND-TO-LAST DAY FOR COLMAN POOL: One last post-season weekend before outdoor saltwater Colman Pool closes until next year – noon-7 pm today (and tomorrow). Here’s the schedule. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

PECOS PIT KIDS’ EVENT: 4-6 pm, kids eat free at Pecos Pit (WSB sponsor), with arts/crafts activities, too. Details in our calendar listing. (4400 35th SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL SOCCER: West Seattle High School girls’ home opener, 6 pm at Southwest Athletic Complex, vs. Marysville Getchell HS. (2801 SW Thistle)

ROCKTOBERFEST: Cancer-fighting fundraiser at the Company Store in White Center, 6 pm, with music at 8 – details in our calendar listing. (9608 16th SW)

UNMASK THE NIGHT: Second annual benefit for West Seattle-based Chad’s Legacy Project, 6:30 pm at Eden Seattle in SODO. Details here; ticket info here. (1950 1st Ave. S.)

UKESTRA SEATTLE, HONEYVILLE RASCALS: Double bill at Kenyon Hall, 7:30 pm – details in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)

ATOMIC RUST, ELI, POLARISER: “Old-school punk and rock ‘n’ roll” at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm. $5 cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

HARRISON B, ROBOT JURASSIC, BARE MINIMUM: Performing at The Skylark, 9 pm. $8 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

FOR EVERYTHING ELSE … check our complete calendar!

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FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth IHS home opener vs. Decatur
September 8, 2017 11:40 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(UPDATED MONDAY with information on injured players)

ORIGINAL FRIDAY NIGHT REPORT: A somber end to tonight’s Southwest Athletic Complex football game between Chief Sealth International High School and Decatur HS (visiting from Federal Way) – two Sealth players were taken away by ambulance. While several players were down for several minutes at a time at various points in the game, including one toward the end, emergency responders weren’t brought in until the game was over; we were driving out of the stadium lot when we noticed SFD units arriving, so we turned around and went back to see what we could find out. All we know so far is that the two players were transported by private (AMR) ambulance rather than SFD medic unit because both were conscious, indicating their injuries were not believed to be major. We hope to be able to find out later how they are doing.

Meantime, the rest of the game story is after the jump:

Read More

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FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School on the road vs. Ingraham
September 8, 2017 10:38 pm
|    Comments Off on FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School on the road vs. Ingraham
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Both of tonight’s varsity football games are over. West Seattle High School reports a loss on the road to Ingraham HS, 36-14. WSHS is now 0-2. Next week at Southwest Athletic Complex – Friday, September 15th, 7 pm – it’s the annual Huling Bowl clash between the Wildcats and crosstown rivals Chief Sealth International High School (whose game we’re reporting on next).

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FOLLOWUP: Today’s orca visit – the good and the not-so-good – and how you can train to be a volunteer naturalist
September 8, 2017 9:37 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

The photos are from Kersti Muul, one of the first people to let us know this morning – texting our 24/7 hotline at 206-293-6302 – that transient orcas were headed this way.

She reports, “Some that have been ID’d so far (but not in total) are: T101, T102 and 36B’s, T37A1, T36,” saying T102 is the “large male” in her photos, which were taken from various spots on West Seattle’s west-facing shore.

“They traveled slow, and stealthy, disappearing smoothly into the milky, smokey horizon. Reappearing with exhale. Our beautiful marine kin. When T102 first surfaced, I was alone, as was he. It was thrilling to share a moment of peace with him.” Then she saw them again headed north this evening:

The evening pass wasn’t quite so peaceful, with one group of boaters disregarding the Be Whale Wise guidelines: “These young men went barreling towards the three Ts and everyone on shore gasped. I reported them to NOAA. This is a good example of behavior we really want to call out and change.”:

Now – here’s a way you can help educate. One of the groups Kersti works with, Whale Scout, has volunteer orientation/training events coming up – one of them not far away. Noon-4 pm September 17th at Seahurst Park‘s Environmental Learning Center. She explains: “Volunteers will be trained to help people figure out where, and how to watch whales from shore, restore salmon habitat and learn how to ID individual whales. It is an excellent opportunity to discover just how well you can watch whales in West Seattle, as well as how you can help our critically endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales, and the dwindling salmon runs they rely upon.” Here’s more information. This training will be just in time for what Kersti says is the anticipated return of the Southern Resident Killer Whales to our area, likely next month.

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SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Time to plan your entries!
September 8, 2017 8:47 pm
|    Comments Off on SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Time to plan your entries!
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Everyone’s an artist when it’s time for the Southwest Library‘s annual Artist Showcase – and Jane Gibson tells us the 26th annual showcase is just a few weeks away! Your first step – create up to three pieces of visual art to show off, or choose up to 3 works you’ve already created. Second step: Take your entries to SW Library (9010 35th SW) September 28th through 30th. And then be there for the artists’ reception on October 1st! The artists’ creations are shown at the branch through October 30th, and the month is highlighted by opportunities to “See Art/Make Art.” All the details are here – but we wanted to make sure you knew it’s time to start thinking about how you can participate.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Author Lyanda Lynn Haupt’s hometown reading
September 8, 2017 7:45 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle books | West Seattle news | Westwood

(WSB photos)

For the first time since the publication of her newest book “Mozart’s Starling,” West Seattle author Lyanda Lynn Haupt talked with a hometown crowd tonight. She was this month’s featured writer in the Southwest Seattle Historical Society-presented Words, Writers, and West Seattle author series, which usually happens at Barnes & Noble/Westwood Village on the first Friday of each month, but was pushed back a week this time because of the Labor Day holiday.

Haupt is known for writing about wildlife – particularly the winged variety, as you know if you read her book “Crow Planet” – and this book features the often-disparaged yet fascinating starling. Just stopping in for a few minutes, we learned a few fun facts including that baby starlings need to be fed every 20 minutes and prefer temperatures around 85 degrees – which is what it gets to in a nest full of little ones. If you missed her tonight, watch for video on the SWSHS website soon, and/or check out her upcoming appearances elsewhere in the region.

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FOLLOWUP: Under the West Seattle Bridge, city to clear remaining Spokane Street campers next week
September 8, 2017 4:51 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

Two and a half weeks ago, the city announced it would gradually close the encampments that remain under the West Seattle Bridge, along Spokane Street, mostly in the SODO area. And this afternoon, on the website used for updates on the city’s response to homelessness, there’s an update. It begins with a recap of outreach and notification efforts, and then gets into the timeline:

… The area has been divided into four zones to be addressed separately:

Zone 1: Airport Way to Sixth Avenue
Zone 2: Sixth Avenue to Fourth Avenue
Zone 3: Fourth Avenue to Second Avenue
Zone 4: Second Avenue to Colorado Avenue

Monday, Sept. 11, will be a day of outreach only. On Tuesday, Sept. 12, the Navigation Team will begin outreach at 8:30 a.m. Field coordinators will be on hand to provide storage of personal belongings. Other City crews and contractors will be ready to remove all bio-waste, garbage and debris from a zone as soon as campers have moved out of that area. Once a zone is clear, the City will install temporary fencing.

While the Navigation Team will conduct outreach along the entire corridor as necessary, the closure and cleanup will address one zone at a time. As Zones 2 and 4 have the greatest number of people, tents and structures, they will be addressed first and are expected to take the longest. The tentative schedule is:

Tuesday, Sept. 12: Begin Zone 4
Wednesday, Sept. 13: Finish Zone 4 and begin Zone 2
Thursday, Sept. 14: Finish Zone 2 and begin Zone 3
Friday, Sept. 15: Begin Zone 1

Should the cleanup extend into the following week, the City will repost appropriate notice around the impacted area.

As noted above, once a zone is completely clear, the City will install a mix of temporary and permanent fencing along the corridor. Several sections will be fenced off to protect infrastructure and/or to limit access to certain areas for authorized individuals (e.g., maintenance crews). The temporary fencing around several blocks under the Spokane Street Viaduct (installed following the removal of the RV encampment at the west end of Spokane Street in April) will be extended west to Sixth Avenue, though it will still allow entrance for commuter parking, which is an intended use of those rights-of-way.

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VIDEO: Highland Park Elementary library named for longtime volunteer LouAnne Rundall
September 8, 2017 4:27 pm
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 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle people | West Seattle schools

That Seattle Public Schools video clip shows you what happened this past Wednesday night when the School Board took a joyful action – renaming Highland Park Elementary School’s library in honor of LouAnne Rundall. She’s been a volunteer there for 45 years, more than half her life; teacher-librarian Chris Robert and principal Chris Cronas sang her praises to the board. Hours before the board’s vote, she was honored at an assembly on the first day of school. LouAnne has actually spent close to 50 years working in the library – what she does as a volunteer was a paid position for a few years. Thanks to Chris Robert for letting us know about this – he also shared this photo of LouAnne with him in the HPES library:

She is also the subject of a tribute on the school library’s webpage.

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